Orisun Igbomina urges Kwara Guber aspirants to engage citizens

By Demola Akinyemi

Ilorin — A socio-cultural group in Kwara State, Orisun Igbomina, has called on governorship aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections to actively engage with citizens and clearly articulate their vision, rather than relying on political endorsements or backdoor lobbying.

In a statement signed by its President, Gbenga Awoyale, the group urged aspirants, especially from Kwara South and Kwara North Senatorial Districts, to publicly declare their ambitions and consult widely with communities.

Orisun Igbomina expressed concern that many aspirants from these districts have remained passive, focusing on lobbying political power centers in Abuja and waiting for endorsements from influential figures, including the state governor. The group warned that such a strategy could be counterproductive, stressing that imposed candidates may not succeed in the state’s current political climate.

The group noted that aspirants from Kwara Central appear more politically active, engaging stakeholders and mobilizing grassroots support across communities. Orisun Igbomina cautioned that leaving the field largely uncontested could give these aspirants a strategic advantage.

Reflecting on past experience, the group highlighted the tenure of former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who was widely perceived as constrained by external political interests. Orisun Igbomina warned against repeating this mistake and urged aspirants to prioritize independent, citizen-driven campaigns.

The group also cited Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s political journey, noting that his eventual emergence in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress followed persistent engagement and contesting multiple elections across different platforms. This, they said, underscores the importance of direct interaction with the electorate.

“Democracy should be about the people and their collective aspirations, not about a few individuals pursuing self-serving interests behind closed doors,” the statement concluded.

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